Software outsourcing could earn $1.0b in next five years

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FE Report
Bangladesh could earn US$ 1.0 billion within next five years from outsourcing ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) and exporting software if it could establish itself as an emerging outsourcing destination.
Speakers expressed the hope for this lofty goal at the country-brand launching ceremony named "BangladeshNext" at Bangabandhu International Convention Centre in city Saturday.
Bangladesh Association of Software & Information Services (BASIS) has started this country branding initiative with a view to projecting Bangladesh as an important outsourcing destination.
Commerce Minister Mohammed Faruk Khan was present as the chief guest at the programme while Danish Ambassador in Dhaka Svend Olling spoke as the special guest. BASIS president Mahboob Zaman chaired the programme.
AT Capital managing partner Ifty Islam gave the keynote presentation at the ceremony.
"Bangladesh has been a surprisingly resilient economy in the face of all odds and proved itself as one of most stable economies", said Mr. Islam pointing out the strength of Bangladesh. He suggested focusing more on implementation than on policy formulation to be a global provider of outsourcing.
Danish Ambassador gave assurance of Bangladesh's commercial potential and called for repairing its poor brand image to the world. He has drawn the minister's attention to the country's energy crisis issue which alarms the foreign investors most.
The minister said the government will improve the energy situation within the next year. Besides, Bangladesh is undergoing a process of having a second submarine cable, he added.
The minister gave assurance of all possible government support to the IT industry needs. He asked for a proposal from BASIS comparing Bangladesh's bandwidth price with that of other countries in this region.
EPB Vice Chairman Jalal Ahmed emphasised the need for export diversification. ITES could be an alternative to RMG's share in export, he said.
The BASIS chief said America-Bangladesh Technology Summit to be held in the USA on October 13 next will be the largest business conference abroad arranged by Bangladesh. He sought media's cooperation in making BangladeshNext brand a success.
BASIS Senior Vice President A.K.M. Fahim Mashroor moderated the programme and Secretary General Forkan Bin Quasem gave the vote of thanks.
DCCI representative T.I.M. Nurul Kabir, American Chamber of Commerce president Aftab ul Islam and BASIS members were also present at the programme.